Hyderabad, Sept. 3 -- Almost eight years after it began leading history enthusiasts through Hyderabad's forgotten spaces, Deccan Archive is making its most ambitious move yet. From September 5 to 20, the organisation is handing the keys of the city back to its residents with Shehr Festival, a two-week-long walk festival that invites residents to explore Hyderabad's history, food, culture, nature, and architecture on foot. A one-of-a-kind initiative, it is designed to completely transform how Hyderabadis claim their streets.

Stepping intentionally outside the boundaries of traditional heritage walks, this festival is bringing together nearly 18 independent organisations and local subject matter experts who know their way around Hyderabad....